The Evolution of the Apple iPod Nano

Of all the iPod models, the nano has had the most varied career. We take a look at all seven generations.

The first sign that a new Apple iPod nano was on the way occurred when stock of iPod nanos was reportedly running low at stores everywhere. Then it made a headline appearance in search results on Apple's own site early Wednesday ahead of Apple's event. Later that same day, it did indeed take the stage with the iPhone 5 and a new iPod touch.

Of all the iPod models, the nano has had the most varied career. It's taken up filmmaking, and it was even a bit of a gamer. It endured a shakeup in 2008 when it got a shake-to-shuffle feature. The nano's design has also changed considerably over the years. It now closely resembles its cousin, the iPod touch. Before that, it went from tall and thin to shorter and squatter and then became immensely tiny (and, at the same time, a total square). It's even become something of a fitness nut lately, thanks to the addition of Nike+.

Now, the nano has revived a bit of its former cinematic career since it once again has the ability to play video (previously available in the third-, fourth-, and fifth-generation models), though not the ability to record video (previously available in the fourth- and fifth-generation models). It hasn't taken up photography as a hobby (yet), but it can display photos (as could the first-, second-, third-, fourth- and fifth-generation nanos). It's a better DJ, streaming music wirelessly to Bluetooth speakers. The music-centric nano, which has playback of 30 hours, also includes an FM tuner and the ability to pause live radio.

Because the iPod nano has been around the block, we thought we'd take a look back at all its recall scandals and its design successes, E! True Hollywood Story-style. Have a snoop through the gallery below.

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Fourth Generation

Fourth Generation

The fourth-generation nano came in the widest rainbow (nine colors: silver, black, purple, light blue, green, yellow, orange, pink, and PRODUCT (RED)) and was curved like one. It was available in 8GB or 16GB capacity, with a limited supply of 4GB models in Europe. The nano included a new shake-to-shuffle feature that was made possible by the addition of an accelerometer, spoken menus for the visually impaired, and the Genius playlist. Apple touted the fourth-gen nano's environmental friendliness thanks to its recyclable aluminum enclosure and arsenic-free glass, as well as its lack of brominated flame retardant, mercury, and PVC.